061 334023 | info@downsyndromelimerick.ie
061 334023 | info@downsyndromelimerick.ie

Speech and Language Therapy

We currently have two (2) Speech and Language Therapists who work in our Castletroy clinic. We also run an outreach clinic in Newcastle West. We offer a service to children and adults of any age with Down syndrome.

Our approach to therapy is linked to the client and family needs.  Fortnightly or monthly therapy sessions are run concurrently with school terms on a one to one basis or through group therapy. Client progress and targets are reviewed on a regular basis.  Parent and baby coffee mornings where parents can meet are facilitated by Speech and Language Therapists. Parent and family training programmes and information evenings are also offered.

Where appropriate we run summer camps, adult training workshops, focus groups and issue publications with the help of adult service users.

Parents can opt to attend speech therapy sessions or view from an individual viewing station. Therapy can involve a multi-faceted approach such as using computer based programmes.

We target areas that are relevant to the client’s needs at the time, this could include:

  • Speech and Articulation
  • Oral Motor Skills
  • Understanding of Language
  • Expression of Language
  • Social Skills
  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (e.g. Lámh signs, using pictures or objects to support communication)
  • Communication skills relevant to school and supporting learning
  • Communication skills in relation to daily activities and involvement in the community
  • Liaison with school /work environments
  • School programmes
  • Assessment
  • Pre-literacy skills.

Online teletherapy sessions are now available.

If you are a new member and would like to access SLT please contact the office on 061334023 and complete this form via this button.

Our Speech and Language Therapists

My name is Rita. I joined Down Syndrome Limerick in March 2022. I graduated as an SLT from University College Cork in 2014. I worked in the UK from 2015-2021, in a special school for children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and then with the NHS in clinic and mainstream and special education settings. In Ireland, I was involved in a research project with the University of Limerick and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and have done agency SLT work with HSE Primary Care. I’m child-centred and have enjoyed working with and learning from parents/carers, education staff and other professionals through the years. I’m looking forward to getting to know the members here in DSL.

Rita - Ask a Therapist
Rita Kennedy
SLT, Down Syndrome Limerick

Fiona Young (member of IASLT and RCSLT) is a highly experienced Speech and Language Therapist, with over 25 years of clinical experience – mostly in the Limerick area, but she has also worked in England and South Africa – across a variety of settings, including school, hospital, training centre, community clinics, university and private practice.  She worked as a Speech Therapist for the HSE for over 10 years.  Fiona holds an Honours Degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy and a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities, and is trained in several clinical approaches, including Hanen, PECS and Lamh.

Speech and language Therapist - Fiona Young
Fiona Young
SLT, Down Syndrome Limerick